4 All sorts of (free) writing advice is offered through links to sites and blogs.

5 Tweets can convey requests for practical advice, e.g. writing-related technology playing up, whether
one character name might be preferred over another.

6 Author events can be promoted in advance and up to the last minute. Feedback after events can help
writers decide whether to attend next time.

7 The huge variety of tweets can be a source of ideas for writing, whether its their content or the
use of the medium itself.

8 The original wit which floods Twitter can be a stimulus for fast creative thought, e.g. read the
comments by @DowningStCat or @tom_cox, and reply comments start to spill out - this can keep
thinking sharp.

9 It can be good to realise that nearly all writers have 'issues' in common, such as distractibility, self
doubt, and evidently our passion for alcohol and chocolate (preferably together).

10 Finally, Twitter gives an idea of what people are writing, what agents are looking for, and what
publishers of books and magazines want. So many people in each category are generous with their
advice and information.

Although that's my 10, I must add that, as all regulars know, Twitter is a source of enormous fun most of the time, and sympathy, support and congratulation when needed. I just love it. And I blame author Catherine Miller (@katylittlelady) for persuading us at Southampton Writing Buddies that we can't live without Twitter!

About Me

I've had writing published since early teens, mainly non-fiction but more recently poetry, flash fiction and stories. My first children's book, Millie the Detective, and my dark short story collection - Bottles and Pots - are both now available in paperback and as ebooks. I have two blogs - one about writing and other things, and one on vegetarian cookery. I've been vegetarian 35 years, and always a keen cook. Have run a veg cookery course and won many prizes for original recipes. Successful dieter and generally healthy bod!